Writing may seem and sound like an easy thing to do, especially when you have never tried it. Many people have had plans or ambitions to write, but they have not written not a single word to date. You must be wondering how so? I mean, just pick a pen and a paper and write? Of course, it all sounds easy. The truth is, writing is a very demanding process but not a hard one. Some writers will say you have to be well prepared before writing. Others will tell you that you have to completely feel it (feel like writing) before you start writing. All of these ideas may sound impractical and unreal, but they have some degree of truth. 

Haven’t you heard people say “To be this, you will need this,” (for elaboration, let’s say “to be an accountant, you will need a first-class degree in the related fields.”) which at that point you may not have. This may be stressful to you if you completely lack any clue of how to go about the subject of concern (which in this case is writing). But then think about the people who have gone against all odds to become the greatest the world has ever known. All they had to do is believe in themselves. If you are having a hard time beginning your novel, autobiography, any type of book you want to write, here are a few things you need to do.

Believe in yourself

 You may not be well prepared, you may not be “completely feeling it”, but do you have the guts to write? Do you believe in yourself? The toughest part of writing is starting the writing process. Now one thing you will not be told in your literature or your writing classes is that you will never be fully prepared when it comes to writing. This is one reason why many prospective writers do not realize their dreams to be writers. If you believe in yourself, you can start writing your book as soon as now. Who knows, you may wait your whole life to be prepared to write. Everyone is unique, and every writer's journey is not the same.

Find or create your writing space

A writing space is a place where you can sit and write. How do you find a writing space? Like I said, writing is a very demanding process. Therefore you will need a place where:

You feel at peace

You feel comfortable

You are free from distraction

It is quiet

You feel motivated to write

If a spot meets all these requirements, that is a good writing space. A place where you feel motivated to write is important because you can have a quiet and peaceful place and still not be able to write. In this case, you can pick your writing space around other writers.

Set an achievable goal for your writing

You need goals to keep you going and help you monitor your progress. You do not have to start with a whole chapter on your first day. You can start with a paragraph as you slowly adjust to two paragraphs the next day and on and on. Your goals should include:

Setting a word count

Setting the number of chapters to write in a day

Setting the number of paragraphs to write in a day

Setting the amount of time you will spend writing

Make writing a routine

Starting won’t be easy. You will be tempted to stop along the way, you will feel lost at times. This is totally fine. What you have to do is make writing a routine. Even when you don’t know what to write, try writing anything on a rough copy. Your mind will finally be accustomed to writing and you will even enjoy it.

Give it your best shot

Research if you have to, cancel some plans if you have to, give your writing the energy and attention it demands. It will be worth it in the end.

Do not unhealthily compare yourself to other writers

The reason you find it hard to start writing may be because you are constantly trying to conform to other writers’ styles. There are healthy comparisons and unhealthy comparisons. Reading other writers’ work to gain knowledge and ideas is a healthy comparison. Reading their work so that you can write like them is an unhealthy comparison. Be you, do you. It is your uniqueness that will make you stand out.

Finish writing

No matter how hard it gets, finish writing your book. I doubt saying, “I wanted to write a book” sounds more rewarding than, “I just finished writing my first book, check it out.”